Oh, let me tell you about Chicken Fried Steak! This dish is a Southern comfort food classic that warms my heart (and my belly) every time I make it. Growing up, my grandma would whip this up for Sunday dinners, filling the house with mouthwatering aromas that would draw the entire family to the table. I can still hear her laughter, and I swear, every bite tasted like love.
What makes Chicken Fried Steak so special is the crispy breading on the tenderized beef, topped with a creamy gravy that takes it to the next level. The combination of textures and flavors feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it feels like a dish straight out of a diner in a classic Southern movie—absolutely irresistible!
What’s in Chicken Fried Steak?
Let’s break down the ingredients in this delicious dish.
Beef Round Steak: The star of the show! I usually go for a tenderized round steak, which is super affordable and perfect for this recipe.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps create that crispy coating. Sometimes I add a bit of cornstarch to the mix for extra crunch!
Buttermilk: This tangy goodness not only helps the batter adhere but adds a lovely flavor to the steak. If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries, you can easily make a substitute with milk and vinegar.
Eggs: Used to bind the flour mixture to the meat, they help create a luscious coating that crisps up beautifully.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Keeping it simple! A dash of seasoning is essential to bring out the flavors of the beef and coating.
Oil (for frying): I usually use vegetable oil for frying, but you can also use peanut or canola oil if you prefer. Just make sure it’s hot enough for frying to ensure that crispy finish!
Heavy Cream: This is for the gravy, adding richness and a velvety texture that makes every bite a delicious treat.
Is Chicken Fried Steak Good for You?
Let’s be real, Chicken Fried Steak isn’t the healthiest option out there, but it sure is delightful in moderation!
Beef Round Steak: Beef is rich in protein and iron, which are essential for muscle and overall health. Just keep in mind to choose lean cuts to keep saturated fat in check.
Buttermilk: This dairy product contains beneficial probiotics and calcium. However, it can be high in calories, so it’s something to enjoy occasionally.
Heavy Cream: Ah, the creamy goodness! While it adds tons of flavor, it’s worth noting that heavy cream is calorie-dense, so a little goes a long way.
In the end, Chicken Fried Steak is all about indulgence. If you’re looking for a heartwarming meal to enjoy on a special occasion, this dish is perfect.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound beef round steak (tenderized)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
– 1 cup heavy cream (for gravy)
This recipe serves about 4 people.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak?
1. **Prepare the Meat:** Start by seasoning your beef round steak with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
2. **Dredging Setup:** In one bowl, pour in the buttermilk. In another bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. **Coat the Steaks:** Dip each steak into the buttermilk first, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the meat to ensure it sticks well. Repeat this for all the steaks.
4. **Heat the Oil:** In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a little piece of batter dropped in sizzles!
5. **Fry the Steaks:** Carefully add the coated steaks to the hot oil, frying for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. **Make the Gravy:** For the gravy, reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, remove excess oil but leave about 2 tablespoons. Scrape up any brown bits left in the pan. Add the flour from the dredging process to the skillet, whisking it until smooth.
7. **Add Cream:** Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. **Serve:** Plate the fried steaks and generously drizzle the creamy gravy over the top. Voilà! You’ve made Chicken Fried Steak!
Tips for a Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
– **Tenderize Your Steak:** If your butcher hasn’t already done this, you can use a meat mallet at home. This step is key for a tender bite!
– **Breadcrumb Variations:** For added flavor, mix in some seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers into your flour!
– **Make It a Meal:** Serve this with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed greens on the side for a complete comfort food feast.
I really hope you give this Chicken Fried Steak a try! It’s one of those recipes that brings friends and family together and fills the air with joy. Trust me, you won’t regret the deliciousness—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! Let me know how yours turns out!
